The Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) understands that there is still public concern about the health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) from mobile telecommunication base stations.

A recent report in Lancet Oncology dated 22nd June 2011, stated that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has assessed the carcinogenicity of RF-EMF. The study covered the use of mobile telephones, cordless phones, Bluetooth, and amateur radios as well as mobile telecommunication base stations and broadcast antennas. The report states that “exposures to the brain from rooftop or tower-mounted mobile-phone base stations and from TV and radio stations are several orders of magnitude lower than those from global system for mobile communications (GSM) handsets.” The Lancet Oncology report concluded that based on their review of the studies, “the possible association between environmental exposure to RF-EMF and cancer, the Working Group found the available evidence insufficient for any conclusion.”

The IARC Working Group has classified RF-EMF as being possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B) which also includes common daily consumables such as coffee and pickled vegetables.

To ensure safety of the public with regards to the RF-EMF exposures, AITI conduct regular tests of the emissions from mobile telecommunication base stations and has found that on average the power levels from indoor and outdoor measurement are at 0.000183 which corresponds to 0.0018% (approximately 50,000 below) of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) general public exposure limits, which also is approximately 60 times below the power level of a standard home microwave oven.

If the general public has health concerns, they may approach the Director-General of Health for advice and treatment. Those who are concerned about emission levels from base stations, may contact AITI to conduct measurements. These services may be subject to a minimal fee.

AITI will continue monitoring developments in this field from international authorities.